In this book, the author critically explores the idea that we deserve to be praised or rewarded for good behavior and blamed or punished when we act badly, which seems central to everyone’s moral deliberation and practices. Simmons considers the implications of his views for distributive justice and personal morality.
Editorial Reviews
Review
The saying, “To understand all is to forgive all,” is convincingly borne out by Howard Simmons” lucid critique of notions of moral desert . . . This is a splendid book for sharpening philosophical instincts about desert and blame, guilt and justice. — Evan Simpson, Honorary Research Professor in the Department of Philosophy, Memorial University of Newfoundland
From the Author
The idea that we deserve to be praised or rewarded for good behaviour and blamed or punished when we act badly seems central to everyone’s moral deliberation and practices. I subject this assumption to critical scrutiny, arguing that in a wide range of cases it is almost impossible to know the extent of people’s moral responsibility, and indeed that it may be a complete delusion. I attack the still popular theory of retributive punishment, with special reference to the views of Peter French and J. Angelo Corlett. I do not conclude that punishment is always unjustified, but insist that any justification should relate to its real world consequences. State punishment should be inflicted according to strict consequentialist precepts, and I provide systematic principles for determining an appropriate sentence and for deciding when offenders should be excused. I also consider the implications of my views for distributive justice and personal morality.
About the Author
Howard Simmons studied philosophy and modern languages at The Queen’s College, Oxford, and obtained a Ph.D. in philosophy at McMaster University. He is currently an adviser to secondary school teachers of philosophy for the British Philosophical Association and an editor with the PhilPapers database.
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